ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => Victorian Education Discussion => The VCE Journey Journal => Topic started by: JR_StudyEd on December 22, 2018, 03:54:05 pm

Title: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on December 22, 2018, 03:54:05 pm
Hi guys,
Ignore my username, just call me John. I would like to start by saying that reading other VCE journals was quite a moving experience. The commitment of this community is quite unreal. I wholeheartedly hope that whoever reads my journal will acquire invaluable insight into Year 12!! And for those slightly older, I hope this gives you a little bit of nostalgia for Year 12 again! I also want to have an accountability of sorts, i.e. documenting my experiences so I can learn from mistakes that I will inevitably commit.

More about me:
Spoiler
I live in the western suburbs (so yeah). I like to play the piano (although currently not at a high level). I'm also interested in public speaking, and attempted to run for school captain, but failed.

The subjects I am studying for Year 12 are:

English
Biology (only in Bio because of insufficient numbers in Geography)
Chemistry
Health and Human Development
Maths Methods

This year, I studied Psychology 3/4 and I loved (most of) it!

Future??
Spoiler
I feel like this is a very common theme throughout this forum, but I would like study medicine. At this point, becoming a psychiatrist is my eventual goal. In terms of undergrad, just any science-y course that has a Psych major would do for me.

Enjoy, and strap yourselves in!


Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: Poet on December 22, 2018, 04:26:18 pm
Hey John, this looks great! Keen to see your development throughout the year, and hopefully this journal will give you the insight and/or motivation you need. :)
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: sarangiya on December 24, 2018, 03:23:47 pm
Hi John!
Can't wait to read your journal. I love the idea of finding your unique gift. I'm excited to find out what it is for myself, and for you!

I'm glad you enjoyed (most of) psychology. What parts didn't you enjoy? What would your dream curriculum be?

Have a Merry Christmas and hope to see an update soon :)
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on December 29, 2018, 02:37:44 pm
Hi everyone,
I hope that you are all enjoying your break, you all deserve it. TBH I am just chilling out and biding my time, so to speak, until the new year hits. I've always had the attitude that if I complete tasks earlier, the better, however, with around 5 weeks until Term 1 kicks off (What even is time anymore???), I reckon I can make an exception.  8)  I've really tried to take my mind off a rather busy year of studying and make the most of my break.

I really miss Psych. (What a nerd) Study score was a bit on the average side 33 raw if you're wondering, however I was a lot more happier with how much I had learnt and applied throughout the year. For anyone reading this who wants to do Psych, what I can say in terms of the difficulty is that it's just sheer weight of content that will take up much of your time and effort.

Consciousness and Research Methods though...

Jokes aside, both were just very technical and slightly harder to get my head around.  ;)

See you next year, I guess! 
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: Macrophagee on December 29, 2018, 03:24:55 pm
Hey
I'm also in year 12 next year!
Congrats on completing one VCE subject! Use this experience to help you improve in your remaining subjects.
I understand how you feel about psych as I feel the same way about bio lol. I'm gonna miss it next year haha 
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on January 13, 2019, 11:23:37 pm
So, less than 3 weeks to go until the party kicks off! YAAAYYYY

In an attempt to scrounge some motivation for me to do decently this year, I've done quite extensive research into courses, particularly Science (read the OP for context). Personally, I don't know if it's too early to start thinking of 2020 and beyond now, but I don't want to be scrambling around by Aug/Sept, rushing to choose preferences and go to Open Days. If anything, thinking of the future will likely motivate me to get good results anyway. In reality, anything from VET/TAFE to a gap year where I do nothing is still on the table. Conversely, I want to genuinely enjoy the mere months of formal education I have left and savour the moment, y'know?

P.S I would list the Pros and Cons I have at the moment but I feel they will be too subjective and Oh, fine. *Will still be subjective though

For future reference for the forum lurkers and those who can't be stuffed digging the online equivalent of 50 feet down for gold in order to find it:

UniMelb Pros
Spoiler
- Closer than Monash
- More course flexibility
- Has more varied clubs and societies
- Rich history including buildings

UniMelb Cons
Spoiler
- Entry requirements are more difficult
- Lower student satisfaction (according to QILT)

Monash Pros
Spoiler
- Easier to get into than Science @ Melb
- Higher student satisfaction (not sure if legit tho)

Monash Cons
Spoiler
- Further away than UniMelb, less accessible than Melb as well
-  Less variety in clubs and societies
- Less course flexibility (that I know of)
- Less appealing spaces (Though I will admit that Robert Menzies buliding is something else)

I want to find a way to get to both of these campuses before the inevitable rush of crowds on Open Day, as I feel that the respective Unis will give off a more genuine, pure vibe.

Anyone with more than half a brain, feel free to correct me!

Tl;dr
Science @ UniMelb or Science @ Monash???
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: AngelWings on January 14, 2019, 03:10:31 pm
I'm just going to edit this quote for you. Bold words are my additions and strikethrough words are corrections. There's more than this, but I decided to keep the list short and as minimally subjective as I could.
For future reference for the forum lurkers and those who can't be stuffed digging the online equivalent of 50 feet down for gold in order to find it:

UniMelb Pros
Spoiler
- Closer than Monash
- More course flexibility and Melbourne Model - You can also argue against course flexibility for UniMelb. Their compulsory breadth units (subjects) must be outside of faculty and mean it's also rather restrictive in that ~18 of 24 units will be science, compared to Monash where all 24 units could be science if one so wished (and as low as 16 units). Apart from the Melbourne Model, the course flexibility only really means that there's no compulsory units.
- Has more varied clubs and societies - They have approximately the same range, just that UniMelb has more clubs. You can also open your own if you so wish at both unis.
- Rich history including buildings

UniMelb Cons
Spoiler
- Entry requirements are more difficult
- Lower student satisfaction (according to QILT)
- If you want to study med (of which psychiatry requires, IIRC) and you especially intend to study postgrad med (given that you're looking at BScis rather than undergrad med and want to study med), you will be cutting your chances at postgrad med at Monash. Postgrad med at Monash places are only offered to Monash undergrads.

Monash Pros
Spoiler
- Easier to get into than Science @ Melb
- Higher student satisfaction (not sure if legit tho)
- Postgrad med at Monash doesn't accept anyone except Monash undergrads, of which the BSci at Monash will do. Postgrad med at Melbourne also will accept Monash undergrads, as will pretty much every other uni.
- More flexible electives (i.e. they can be in science or not as you wish) and double degrees exist at Monash. If you later decide to flip to a BBiomed/BSci (for example), there will be fewer consequences e.g. financial, and time delays.

Monash Cons
Spoiler
- Further away than UniMelb, less accessible than Melb as well
- Less variety in clubs and societies - (see above)
- Less course flexibility (that I know of) - Apart from having to do at least one maths/ stats unit and a compulsory science communication unit, you're basically free to run wild with all other units, as long as you fulfil the BSci requirements. The key difference with the BSci at Melbourne and Monash is because Monash doesn't have the Melbourne Model, you can make your elective units be in the science faculty or outside the faculty as long as the faculty allows it and you can double major/ extended major pretty easily e.g. I have a BSci (extended major in genetics, minors in chemistry and Japanese).
- Less appealing spaces (Though I will admit that Robert Menzies buliding is something else)
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: sarangiya on January 14, 2019, 07:03:04 pm
Tl;dr
Science @ UniMelb or Science @ Monash???
I think you're probably right by going to open days.
You'll probably get your answer by just walking around.
If not, I looked heavily into the handbooks for the respective unis and read about the majors and subjects, trying to judge if I would like them or not. Another great way to do this is AN's subject reviews for both Melbourne and Monash.

Best of luck!
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on January 16, 2019, 04:19:29 pm
Thanks AngelWings and sarangiya for your tips!

The future beyond Year 12 can take a back seat for now, for now is probably a great time to pay closer attention to the present.

*deep breath in* (16/1/2019)
To be honest, I'm quite looking forward to going back to school. If it wasn't for the mountains of set holiday homework I still have to do, I would love to come back next week and meet some people again. #nerdalert Speaking of which, don't you hate it when you're given COMPULSORY holiday homework that triggers a detention when not completed by the first lesson back? Well, that's exactly what I have for English. It involves three tasks, Task 1 involves reading Frankenstein and writing a text response, Task 2 involves watching the film 'Rear Window' and completing a character profile (super easy) and Task 3 involves writing an Argument Analysis essay on the exact same article as the 2018 exam (Jonty Jenkins ring a bell?) I'm starting to seriously loathe it now.  >:( (I did make a thread on this in the English/EAL forum a couple of days ago, but no one seems to be responding :( )

I just need to get all this uncalled for stress and anxiety off my chest. I'm in my local library at the moment, I had a good night's sleep last night, but STILL not in the mood to smash through my set tasks for each subject much less English, especially that scourge that is the Argument Analysis (ewwww). I wouldn't classify myself as a stresshead yet, but my mum tells me otherwise.  :-\

I think about the not-too-distant future constantly (I mean, have you seen my last entry to this thread?), almost obsessively, but I have a good reason for it, I guess. Without a tangible, eventual goal to work towards, I think I would be even more lost.
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: Joseph41 on January 16, 2019, 04:24:52 pm
G'day John. I don't have much to add at the moment, but just wanted to say I've enjoyed your entries so far!

Starting to think about your options early is great. It's certainly not essential (so no need to stress about it too much), but research can't hurt. :)
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: sweetiepi on January 16, 2019, 04:33:25 pm
I just need to get all this uncalled for stress and anxiety off my chest. I'm in my local library at the moment, I had a good night's sleep last night, but STILL not in the mood to smash through my set tasks for each subject much less English, especially that scourge that is the Argument Analysis (ewwww). I wouldn't classify myself as a stresshead yet, but my mum tells me otherwise.  :-\
Hey there!
Take this with a grain of salt if this isn't your thing, but an idea to get through all the tasks you need to do is to try and take it a little bit at a time, instead of tackling it like a mountain.
I also know it's hard to get back into the swing of things, but definitely make sure you take breaks during completing tasks when you can- think of it like a reward for doing each little bit! :)
(this is how I tackle things coming off holiday mode aha- my parents always say that I'm a stresshead too, completely understand).

Otherwise, you've got this! Make the most of break, and intersperse it with studies. We're here to try and help motivate/encourage you when you need it!
Totally looking forward to seeing more updates! :)
Title: Re: Finding my unique gift, Riding the Year 12 Rollercoaster (John in VCE)
Post by: Macrophagee on January 16, 2019, 10:30:37 pm
Hey
I can understand what a drag holiday hw can be bc I barely started  8)

What books are you doing for English? I'm doing The Lieutenant, Frankenstein and Invictus vs Ransom
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on February 02, 2019, 12:14:22 pm
2/2/19 If I write 18 instead of 19 one more time...
Hi guys, how's it going?  ;D

Thought I'd chip in and give my thoughts about Day 1 of Year 12 and the month ahead. If you haven't already noticed, I've changed the thread title. I might do this occasionally throughout the year to reflect my mindset at that point in time. Not to say that I don't think Year 12 will still be a rollercoaster ride (I know it will be), however I've had a slight attitude shift. Failure is something that is going to happen to everyone time and time again, and I'm no exception. In the past, admittedly, I've been quite terrified of failure, (or like late last year in Methods, didn't care about a sub 50% score on the exam in the slightest), but this year and beyond, I will try to face failure with no fear!

Day 1 was actually alright. HHD was pretty full on but manageable, Methods was painfully beautiful (how I missed thee, Dear Mathematical Methods), and Bio was a metaphorical slap in the face (in that the workload and expectations were made very clear to me, but I reckon for the better). Honestly, I feel I'll be OK if I actually learn to implement stress coping strategies and not worry myself out too much about you know, the ATAR.

As to the future, undergrad Med @ Monash is my Plan A, but anything can happen from here. That UCAT, though.

Enjoy your weekend and your first full week of school, guys who still have to go through this! You're all awesome!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: huity on February 03, 2019, 08:13:50 pm
Hey John  ;D

Super excited to read your journal and follow you across your Year 12 journey. I keep on writing 19 instead of 18 for dates too  :P

I love your refreshing approach to failure. A huge part of coping with failure in any area of life is adopting a new mindset and you've got that down pat  ;D

I'm glad you enjoyed (most of) Day 1 and it wasn't terrible! Good luck for Year 12, the UCAT and getting into Med at Monash! You've got a whole community of people cheering you on  ;D
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on February 08, 2019, 04:49:50 pm
Hello everyone! Hope you all had a great week! Let's get to the juicy stuff I guess:

How do I feel at the end of (Full) Week 1? A mix of enthused and apathetic. Ready and not ready. Motivated and drained. I've been told that we have only 30 weeks of classes until exams. So, I only have to go through this same process 29 more times! WOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!! After a quite an intensive week, I feel like there is so much to get off my chest.

English: Hate it. (Oh wait, vocabulary is not advanced enough?). How about loathe it, detest it, dislike it greatly, abhor it, abominate it, despise it, execrate it, feel aversion towards it, feel revulsion towards it, feel hostile towards it, be repelled by it, be revolted by it, regard with disgust, not be able to bear/stand it, be unable to stomach it and find it intolerable? Thanks Google Thesaurus. Look, to be honest, I am "good" at English, but what does being "good" at something mean when I hate it so much? *cough*Essays*cough* This week's classes have not changed my previously held perception of this subject. It's just yuck (except for Oral Presentations. Totally love that! But it ain't until Term 3 :(). Nothing against my teacher, she's great, but not the subject she teaches, unfortunately. Frankenstein doesn't really interest me, sadly, and all we've done so far is discuss selected passages. But I need a 30 in it to get into Monash Med, so....

Maths Methods: Already behind in terms of work done, but it's not like every exercise has to be done anyway, right? (RIGHT?) We did Linear Functions for the last time ever! Teacher teaches, we listen (mostly), he tells us to go home and do the work. Done. That's 3&4 Methods in a nutshell.

Biology: Sometimes I forget I even study this subject, but it exists. A lot of theory, but that's to be expected. We're doing Genetic Code (I think, I don't remember) I'm a newbie to this (having not done 1&2), but I don't feel very disadvantaged or behind. Should devote more time to it, though.

Chemistry: Our class has just begun Stoichiometry and Calculations. Sometimes I wonder if we're in Maths class.

HHD: Measuring health status. Love it. Hopefully it stays interesting.

I think that's it for now. Enjoy your weekend!



 
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Joseph41 on February 08, 2019, 05:14:39 pm
Love that you're loving HHD! It was one of my favourites through Year 12 - hope you continue to find it interesting. :)
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: smamsmo22 on February 09, 2019, 12:19:16 am

English: Hate it.

Is there something in particular about English that puts you off? I hated English last year and ended up doing pretty well, if that's any consolation, but my frustrations were often teacher related :/ I totally agree that Frankenstein was not engaging at all to study. Are you starting off with text response? Creative? Which do you prefer? 

Teacher teaches, we listen (mostly), he tells us to go home and do the work. Done. That's 3&4 Methods in a nutshell.
Yep! Methods for me too was teacher explanations, followed by practice questions (textbook questions, then assessment standard). But I think that's the best way to tackle it :D As long as you're genuinely understanding the questions and the are comfortable independently using the methods behind them, don't stress so much about the quantity of questions you're doing.

It's good to hear you're doing pretty well so far! To change the subject from high school for a second, as someone who was interested in Monash med for a while, what about medicine attracts you? Have you given the UCAT much thought/prep?
Best of luck!!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on February 19, 2019, 09:06:14 pm
Is there something in particular about English that puts you off?
Hi! Sorry, but I've kind of swept it under the rug lately. My opinion may change later in the year (typical me) but at this point I really am not a fan of essays, of the analytical, comparative and argument analysis variety. I suppose it's the (mostly) rigid structure of them. Despite the fact that I can communicate the language quite well, essays aren't my favourite way of doing it.

what about medicine attracts you? Have you given the UCAT much thought/prep?
Look, I remind myself of this everyday, mate. I'm rather interested in learning how the functioning of the mind and body are interconnected.

Yes, I've definitely given the UCAT some thought! Starting preparation is a bit of a grey area, though. I've looked on the UCAT official website for their free practice tests, but don't know whether to start with them or not.
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: smamsmo22 on February 19, 2019, 09:27:41 pm
Yes, I've definitely given the UCAT some thought! Starting preparation is a bit of a grey area, though. I've looked on the UCAT official website for their free practice tests, but don't know whether to start with them or not.
As someone who left UMAT prep (or UMAT research... or UMAT awareness) very late last year, I'd definitely say looking at UCAT prep is something to consider. No need to lose sleep over it or spend hours on practice tests at this point; don't worry, but one of my regrets last year was not taking the UMAT seriously enough and it basically cancelled out the possibility of me studying med in Melbourne (I don't know if I would've chosen to do it if I had the chance, btw).. if Monash undergrad med is your goal then the UCAT is a vital part of the selection process (just as important as your VCE subjects!!). Medicine admission is crazy competitive and having your options narrowed down is always something you'd want to avoid IMO. In saying that, some people aced the UMAT without any sort of prep, and who knows what the UCAT is going to be like...  ::)
This isn't meant to scare you btw, it's definitely not too late or anything, just my 2c based on my own experiences :)
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on February 28, 2019, 07:41:16 pm
28/2/19

End of Feb already??? One month closer! WOOHOOOO! LET'S GOOOO.

My sleep has gone to crap. Falling asleep before 11.30pm is a near impossible task at the moment, and I'm *this* close to seeing a doctor about potentially having insomnia. Like seriously, the last decent good night's sleep I remember getting was the night before the first day back. I wonder what's causing this?  ??? Did you like my sarcasm? I'm not sure it's due to my racing thoughts, but maybe it is. Wanting to take a year-long nap is not an uncommon urge for me, especially during the day. My brain has a holding capacity, and that is reached well before the recess or lunch breaks (i.e. in the middle of the period which sucks) No way can I perform at anywhere near my best in this kind of mental/physical state, in either school or life outside of it.

In other news, I've given up piano. Well, not exactly. I've deferred it. My interest in playing music has waned significantly since the start of the year and despite my father's encouragement (not helpful tbh) I've decided that listening to music is WAYYY more relaxing than stressing out about time signatures and stuff. I could replace it with my growing interest in public speaking, perhaps?

I guess I'll leave it there for today. Subject thoughts will probably come tomorrow.

Stay cool (figuratively and literally),
John
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on March 01, 2019, 09:40:49 pm
1/3/19
UCAT registration is open. Earlier I went on UCAT's website to try a practice test to see what I was in for, and I'm like, hmmm okay. This is actually not that bad. July will be a great month. I don't know if it's just me, but I always feel like people in my classes are ALWAYS ahead of me no matter how hard I try. I know I shouldn't be obsessed with comparing myself to others, and that I should be doing as best I can to try to cooperate with them. I'm not a 100% accurate predictor of my future, but I do have a feeling that every second is a learning experience. I'll never stop learning. Wow. Deep.  :'(

English: Still not feeling it mr krabs. My SAC, an analytical/text response essay is in less than 3 weeks. I'm confident in my writing ability, it's just starting and not giving up after the introduction that I need to work on. Easier said than done. Can't wait for oral presentations, my fav!

Biology: Teacher was not here at all this week. He had his reasons, and I'm like yeah whatever, Bio-free week! (Fun fact: I actually kind of like Bio) Well, it didn't exactly go like that. He set work (how nice of him), and we just consolidated our knowledge on things like Cell Respiration, Photosynthesis, and Genetic stuff.

Chemistry: Stating the obvious here, but I really like how Bio and Chem overlap beautifully. We did a combination of Redox, Galvanic Cells and Thermochemical calculations. Fun!

Methods: We're blazing through work at the moment, and that's the teacher, not me. I pick and choose what I pay my attention to in terms of completing questions (cos I do what I want). I constantly remind myself of those Checkpoints questions whenever times get tough. Boy, those Checkpoints questions make the textbook questions look like child's play. And our first SAC won't be until June. What??

HHD: I can confirm for the information of future generations that this is the easiest. subject. ever (in my humble opinion). It's so relatable to everyday life. It has a lot of content to learn and engrain within my brain (#rhymetime) but overall, I reckon I'll enjoy this. Similar to Psych last year, but obviously more broad and more chill.  8)

So yeah, no SACs until week beginning 18/3. But then Year 12 can truly begin! My physical activity needs a bit of work, tbh, and so does my eating and sleeping. And screen time. And social life, in that I can't find anyone else interested in Med at my school. And my stress and tendency to overthink things seems to consume me. And will I get a job? How will I cope? But no more complaining about my inevitable problems. I have plenty of time to work on them. I should REALLY learn to prioritise my health over my ATAR.

I am grateful to be alive.

EDIT: Turns out I had a Prac for Bio tomorrow which is one component of the SAC. Whoops.
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Macrophagee on March 01, 2019, 10:08:34 pm
Hey
I'm hoping for med too so if you ever wanna talk I'm available  :-)
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on March 12, 2019, 05:16:55 pm
12/3/19

Wow. That long weekend was actually long. This'll be short and sweet, I promise.

My inner stresshead is being released. I have 4 ( :'() SACs next week and I don't know where to even begin. Yes, I may be procrastinating right now, but please nerds, define procrastination. I'm clearly doing something productive, spilling all my thoughts out. I have a SAC for Bio, comprised of a prac and write-up on Enzymes and Photosynthesis. I have a HHD SAC next Monday, and I'm trying to get revision done but other subjects keep getting in the way.  >:( I have an English SAC, a text response essay, how enthralling. The hardest part will be starting that essay, no joke. I also have a Chemistry SAC, on Fuels and Redox, comprised of a prac and write-up.  And it's spread out through the whole bloody week as well. Monday to Friday. I almost never get a break. Well, apart from recess, lunch and the other 18 hours of the day that aren't school. Huh.

A quote from my actual physical diary/journal reads: "If there's one harsh but essential lesson has already taught me, it's that my health and wellbeing is infinitely more important than my results. My body and mind will not perform at their best if I neglect my health. My health and wellbeing should be my #1 priority for the rest of my life". Year 12 has also already taught me the value of taking a break. I actually genuinely value my recess and lunch breaks as a time of rest and relaxation!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Macrophagee on March 12, 2019, 06:41:00 pm
Hey
I also have major struggles with English atm so I get how you feel. My text response SAC is next week and I have barely practised oops :'(.
Wow it looks like you have a busy week ahead-- good luck with all the SACs! I have a HHD SAC,a chemistry writeup on fuels, a methods test and a spesh test coming up and I am quite nervous (esp for english and spesh). :o
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on March 22, 2019, 06:57:28 pm
22/3/19

One word. Brutal. 4 SACs in a week, one for each of my subjects bar one. Psychologically battered and bruised, but I survived! Never have I exhibited such overt indignation over a week of school. Never have I had the cloud of anxiety and stress hang over me for so long. I think it's time for me to reflect on
the week that was.

Starting the week with the HHD SAC, it was probably the most straightforward of the SACs. Didn't have much trouble with it, tbh. For Bio, I didn't quite finish to due a more stringent time constraint, but we'll see. Chemistry was split up into a prac and written component. The experiment was the super easy part (Heating water with a fuel and Galvanic Cells). The write-up, on the other hand. Let's just say that it would have helped to prepare a tad earlier. Oh English, how did you manage to become the subject I am most proficient in to the abominable wretch that you are now? Analytical essays and the novel Frankenstein are to me what the Creature is to Frankenstein. I'm glad that's out of my life until the final exams. Gross. The whole area of study was a drag, from the novel to the essay. The novel was a pain to read. Not much of interest happened. I want to care about what happens to the characters. Not in this book. Apathy abounded, but I did the essay. Gained zero satisfaction from it other than knowing I won't be anywhere near it until closer to the exam. Creative writing next! Oh yeah, Maths Methods, the one subject I've had to sacrifice spending time on due to the fact I had a SAC for all my other subjects in the one week apart from this one. Circular Functions, strangely enough, actually interests me with its difficulty. I guess I'm glad I stuck with Methods. It's the kind of subject that you really have to invest a great deal of time into in order to do well. My strategy is to firstly do the textbook questions until I have gained a solid understanding. Then I answer Checkpoints questions. If I'm really unsure, I ask my teacher. Rinse and repeat.  ;)
As implied by the title of my journal, failure doesn't faze me. It teaches me a lesson and points me in the right direction.

What this week taught me (and will hopefully teach you, dear reader):
- Prepare for SACs as soon as teacher announces to class when exactly the SAC is.
- Balance study and health-promoting activities
- Friends keep me sane
- JUST. DO. what's most important first.
- Frequently revise for all subjects

UCAT preparation has taken a back seat and likely laughed in my face due to this week that I'm pretty sure has come straight out of the pit of eternal damnation. I know Monash equally weights it with your ATAR result. I should have a more chilled out last fortnight of term. Piano is just a leisure thing at the moment (I've got back into it as a form of distracting myself from the academic stress and therefore makes me feel better). Not planning on part-time work until probably towards the end of the year, but I should be fine.

So, this weekend gives me an opportunity to reset and recharge. Bring on Area of Study 2!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Joseph41 on March 28, 2019, 04:07:13 pm
What this week taught me (and will hopefully teach you, dear reader):
- Prepare for SACs as soon as teacher announces to class when exactly the SAC is.
- Balance study and health-promoting activities
- Friends keep me sane
- JUST. DO. what's most important first.
- Frequently revise for all subjects

Think this is really good advice!

That week sounds pretty full-on. Hope things quieten down for you soon.
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 01, 2019, 06:25:07 pm
1/4/19 - An entry motivated by a lack of motivation to do anything at the moment

Look, I don't even know where to begin. I don't want to start doing "study" right now. It feels like such a chore already (boy am I thrilled for how it'll feel in the next two terms). My term has been rather chill overall, with the exception of that week that I've rambled on about to death (like, seriously, what sadistic, masochistic person thought 4 SACs in a week would be a good idea?)

SAC results are coming back, with the exception of English. I was rather happy with what I got for HHD (72% and ranked 6th)  ;D. I passed Bio by the skin of my teeth, but more importantly, I learnt a lot about how to really prepare for SACs. For Chem, let's just say it's a work in progress. A chat with my teacher should help clear things up (I didn't quite get over that 50% threshold). However, I'm not giving up, or even close to doing so. Now that I've got results, I've learnt so much about where I'm at and what I need to improve on, which I guess is always the most helpful part of SACs, even if I don't do particularly well in them. I've got plenty of time to turn it around, so bring it on!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Bri MT on April 02, 2019, 05:44:25 am
Love your improvement/growth focused attitude :)

Knowing when to push through lack of motivation & when to rest is one of the trickier parts of VCE - good luck!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Macrophagee on April 02, 2019, 05:24:48 pm
1/4/19 - An entry motivated by a lack of motivation to do anything at the moment

Look, I don't even know where to begin. I don't want to start doing "study" right now. It feels like such a chore already (boy am I thrilled for how it'll feel in the next two terms). My term has been rather chill overall, with the exception of that week that I've rambled on about to death (like, seriously, what sadistic, masochistic person thought 4 SACs in a week would be a good idea?)

SAC results are coming back, with the exception of English. I was rather happy with what I got for HHD (72% and ranked 6th)  ;D. I passed Bio by the skin of my teeth, but more importantly, I learnt a lot about how to really prepare for SACs. For Chem, let's just say it's a work in progress. A chat with my teacher should help clear things up (I didn't quite get over that 50% threshold). However, I'm not giving up, or even close to doing so. Now that I've got results, I've learnt so much about where I'm at and what I need to improve on, which I guess is always the most helpful part of SACs, even if I don't do particularly well in them. I've got plenty of time to turn it around, so bring it on!

Hey
Congrats on your high rank in HHD! We just got our Part B SAC back too and I'm soooo glad that's over (like everything gives you cardiovascular disease). With bio, using dotpoints in your answer can help keep you on track and make sure you are including everything in your answer. Also, get someone else to mark your responses since usually you will be more biased towards your own answers. Being able to link concepts together is also really useful to get full marks.
Chem: UGHHHHH my SAC was awfullll hopefully yours was better lol
And UCAT has been ignored for a while hahah
Also, love your positive attitude! I'm sure you'll improve soon, just keep working! :)

Good luck
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 02, 2019, 06:07:45 pm
Hey
Congrats on your high rank in HHD!
Thanks! I knew I'd do decently enough...
Chem: UGHHHHH my SAC was awfullll hopefully yours was better lol
And UCAT has been ignored for a while hahah
Also, love your positive attitude! I'm sure you'll improve soon, just keep working! :)

Good luck
Today, I had that chat with my Chem teacher, and they passed me! I'm pretty sure that sadistic week of 4 SACs was the primary cause.

Lately, although Med @ Monash is still my numero uno, I've been looking at alternative pathways (it'll take a miracle to get into Med, tbh. Not impossible, but yeah insanely difficult). I'll be going to some ATARNotes lectures over this holidays as well including the UCAT/Med one(coz I'm that dedicated, plus it gets me out of the house).

Thanks again, Macrophagee! It's not so much about the marks I get, but about what I learnt from these experiences and how I can do better, 'cause there's always room for that sweet sweet improvement!
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 08, 2019, 12:22:58 pm
8/4/19 - This'll actually be long. A lot to go through. I apologise in advance for the length of my post.

So I was basically dead all of last week. Just wanted the term to end already. Initially, I was unable to explain my sudden burnout (that word makes me weary just looking at it, but I can't describe the trajectory of last week in any other way). I was heading to the library, as usual, immediately after school. (Yeah, there's something called distractions when I'm at home, and I'd much prefer to chill out there anyway.) But despite my best attempts at planning out what I was going to smash out for the afternoon/evening, I just sat on the comfortable seats and wondered what to do with my life.

An hour, two hours passed (browsing the forums like the nosey person I am to try and spur me on), then it was getting late and had to get home in time for dinner. It's not like I found the work particularly difficult, it was just all apathy, I suppose. Like, I didn't even feel that guilty for not studying. Looking back, I felt like I gave up too easily. You know the classic example of one who gives advice but doesn't follow it themselves? Well, I reckon that was me. It was a vicious cycle of doing not much more than studying, then going home, eating dinner, then being too tired to do anything else, but still have enough energy to watch YouTube vids until a time at which I thought my parents would catch me awake.

Wow, journalling (even typing it up instead of writing it down physically) is super helpful! It just puts my train of thought in order, know what I mean? On Saturday, I went to the city for my first ever ATARnotes lectures! English, though I rocked up late (shoutout to Melbourne's archaic public transport), was quite enjoyable, and met some faces from my own school that I didn't even know were going! In the afternoon, I had the Methods lecture. Loved the lecturer's down-to-earthness! (I know, pulling out cliche #1 from the book of 1001 cliches)  She gave me a new, fresh perspective on Methods that I otherwise wouldn't have gained. Also, on a lighter note, during the English lecture when the lecturer was projecting the forums up on the screen, one of my topics was shown! Those chairs were waaaayy too comfortable, though.  :P

I'll be going to three more next weekend! I tend to sit in the middle section, but not too close to the front. (Pls don't track me down bro, or take all dem seats  ;))

The snail-speed of the train I took into the city on Saturday gave me time to think. Time to think about why I'm even doing this. I figured that it was all about mindset. If I thought the week would be a drag, it would increase the likelihood that it would actually be so. I've begun to see education and studying as a gift. A gift that so many young people my age unfortunately either don't have at all, or they have it, but receive it inadequately and insufficiently. Though it'll be far from easy, and sometimes I have weeks like last week where I cling on to ATARnotes like it's my only saving grace, whilst at the same time not being enthused at all by the prospect of getting work done, I desire to receive this gift with an open mind and heart!
 
I'll enjoy these holidays first.  ;D
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Macrophagee on April 08, 2019, 05:10:43 pm
The snail-speed of the train I took into the city on Saturday gave me time to think. Time to think about why I'm even doing this. I figured that it was all about mindset. If I thought the week would be a drag, it would increase the likelihood that it would actually be so. I've begun to see education and studying as a gift. A gift that so many young people my age unfortunately either don't have at all, or they have it, but receive it inadequately and insufficiently. Though it'll be far from easy, and sometimes I have weeks like last week where I cling on to ATARnotes like it's my only saving grace, whilst at the same time not being enthused at all by the prospect of getting work done, I desire to receive this gift with an open mind and heart!
 

Hey
I can totally relate to the apathy you experience with studying, I guess it's just going through the motions and just wanting the year to be over huh? During times like that, I like to think of what I want to do next year and how working to the best of my ability will hopefully allow me to start doing things I actually am interested in.
Also, love your attitude towards education. I think it's important to remember that we are actually quite fortunate compared to many children worldwide, even though we stress over SACs and the ATAR.
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Joseph41 on April 09, 2019, 05:15:53 pm
Interesting post, JR.

"I'll enjoy these holidays first.  ;D"

This bit is really important, though, I think. Recuperation is important. :)

P.S. Nice work on going to lectures - glad they were good! Hope the trains aren't as slow next week haha (shitty luck that train works are coinciding with lectures tbh).
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 14, 2019, 10:02:13 pm
14/4/19 - Unjumbling my twisted thoughts

Is it bad to say that I was actually bored of relaxing? I was SO over studying for this first week of holidays. So I did something I haven't done in quite a long time. I took (wait for it...) TWO WHOLE DAYS OFF STUDYING last Thursday and Friday. GUILT-FREE. I had free reign over how much procrastination I did. Just as long as I didn't abandon my health and wellbeing. I've identified (with the help of a few books) that four aspects of your life must never, ever be neglected:

JR's Four Lifestyle Essentials
1) Sufficient sleep
2) Time 4 Relaxation
3) Exercise/Physical activity stuff
4) A Healthy Balanced Diet

This next week will (hopefully) be more focused on chipping away at schoolwork (whilst also setting aside time for the Four Essentials). I feel like I'm the only guy who absolutely cannot work unless they're at a library. (Anyone else?) The hardest part is getting myself out of the house.

How are each of my subjects going? (can't be stuffed writing it down so I'll type it up for everyone to see!)
- ACTUALLY not cry whilst doing Methods. Use the ATARNotes Course Notes to carry guide me.
Biology: Find out wth we're doing. Take the initiative and email my teacher.
Chemistry: Read that delightful email from my teacher. It promises joy and prosperity, and holiday homework.
English: I've already watched Rear Window twice! Do I really need to watch it again? Oh yeah, gorgeous holiday homework to be done.
HHD: EDROLO! WOOHOOO!

Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 24, 2019, 10:44:39 am
24/4/19 - 2 days to go until Term 2

How nice of our school to give us basically an entire extra week off school due to staff days and public holidays. Except Friday. That's when the party gets kickin'. (I don't go to many parties, I'm not antisocial, it's just that I hardly get invited to any outside my family)

This next week will (hopefully) be more focused on chipping away at schoolwork (whilst also setting aside time for the Four Essentials). I feel like I'm the only guy who absolutely cannot work unless they're at a library. (Anyone else?) The hardest part is getting myself out of the house.

*Reads what's in bold*
*Looks at the date I posted that*
*Looks at current date*
Haha lol. Typical me (I wish to rectify what 'typical me' means, because this is just ridiculous). i had one decent day of study last week and that's about it. As of right now, I've spent 8 days, 17 hours and 14 minutes online on AN.  :o Probably dwarfed by the time I spend on YouTube.

How important is Year 12, really? Why should I try my absolute best? I guess it's to 'keep those doors open', as they say. But won't I be overwhelmed by the amount of choices I have? I suppose I should appreciate that I have the luxury of freedom of choice, unlike so many in this world who unfortunately don't. Then there's the whole 'building my character' thing. When formal education bores me to tears, I always have the best teacher of all: experience.

Please, brain, tell me where to begin. No matter how much I try to 'break down my work into small chunks', I still get overwhelmed at the magnitude of what I have to do. It's all a part of becoming independent and an adult, I suppose. It's so difficult to cultivate a growth mindset, when so many people around me don't really help with my confidence. I just don't want to suffer alone. I need the reassurance that other people are going through the same things, and that my mindset towards Year 12 (that it's super important and likely to be one of the most stressful years of my entire life) is not uncommon.

One day at a time, I will get there.
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 24, 2019, 06:04:30 pm
Is procrastination inevitable? Is it right to criticise myself for not doing what I was supposed to do, multiple days in a row? I make a list and check it twice of things I need to do, most days of the week. On a day like today, when I'm left at home for the primary purpose of catching up on work I couldn't originally be bothered doing, I (unconsciously and unintentionally) try my hardest to do everything aside from what's on my list. As I've said, I try to break down the tasks into smaller chunks to make it more manageable (and make it as specific as I can), but I still can't get started. Why is it so hard for me to do anything related to study? Is it because of my laziness? Or my priorities? I question the significance of it all.

I took a decent break already. Don't really have many more excuses left. The past is past. But the future overwhelms me.

EDIT: Thinking about having to study sucks just as much as studying itself.
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: Seamus Wong on April 24, 2019, 07:58:12 pm
EDIT: Thinking about having to study sucks just as much as studying itself.

Wrong, Thinking about having to study is MUCH more overwhelming than studying itself. :)
Title: Re: No Fear of Failure (John's VCE)
Post by: JR_StudyEd on April 28, 2019, 04:19:28 pm
Wrong, Thinking about having to study is MUCH more overwhelming than studying itself. :)
True, true. ;)
But it's that first hurdle that becomes a mountain for me to clear. Starting is the hardest part. But there's no other way. :(


Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on May 02, 2019, 09:44:28 pm
2/5/19

6 months to go (I am sorry for those who just realised that's how long until it's all over). Nostalgia really hitting hard right now. My mindset so far this year has been a mix of 'better to focus on the present because I can actually control it' and 'crap I'm actually going to finish high school, wtf do I do with my life?'. I'm having one of those weeks where I don't know what to do because no one of authority (i.e. teachers) is telling me what to do. I guess uni will be like that too, huh. Impending independence has its shortcomings.  :(

I just want to talk about Methods. I guess it's my underdeveloped brain. I just can't seem to grasp Circular Functions, no matter how hard I try. I suppose it's alright to respond to a 'how are you going?' with 'not so good right now'. It's a rollercoaster, supposedly I'm at a point where it's only going to get better. Then I'll reach a peak, then drop all the way down again. I'll try to keep that growth mindset going.

If I actually think of this year as a collection of small, tiny, little, baby steps, it won't be as overwhelming.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on May 06, 2019, 11:24:26 pm
6/5/19 - Should I even be awake right now?

May might be the worst month ever. No public holidays. No student free days. Only the weekends keep me from losing it. I haven't got anything very exciting in the near future to look forward to, maybe aside from when the final bell goes on Friday. My mind wanders, attempting valiantly to focus on present concerns, but much too overwhelmed at what the future may bring. My calendar is getting quite a workout from all the SAC dates that need to be put in it this month.

It's hard to explain what I'm about to write verbally in real life, so bear with me; say you study four subjects (for convenience we'll say Chemistry, Biology, Methods and English) in a day of school. You'll very likely be either set homework for these four subjects, or there's a SAC coming up. What really sucks is that I can't study for all four in the one night because a) Your mind would find it difficult switching between the subjects and b) Ain't nobody got time for all those subjects in one night. Then I'll have to ditch at least one of those subject and easily neglect them until I have my next class for that subject.

The "reward" of getting into my desired uni course isn't cutting it for me anymore; all it does is overwhelm me. (Or it might be because that desired course is Med.) Are short-term rewards any good, like sweet treats? I suppose it'll all be worth it in the end, the feeling of walking out of the exam room after my final exam will be satisfying and fulfilling beyond measure. Or so they say. But I'll have to work. Gross.

I can't be bothered, but then I can, but then it's too hard, but then it's time to sleep.

EDIT (2:25am, not even kidding): I can't sleep. Help.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: NomotivationF on May 06, 2019, 11:33:08 pm
The "reward" of getting into my desired uni course isn't cutting it for me anymore; all it does is overwhelm me. (Or it might be because that desired course is Med.) Are short-term rewards any good, like sweet treats? I suppose it'll all be worth it in the end, the feeling of walking out of the exam room after my final exam will be satisfying and fulfilling beyond measure. Or so they say. But I'll have to work. Gross.

I can't be bothered, but then I can, but then it's too hard, but then it's time to sleep.

If you ever figure out how to get past this, please let me know  :P
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on May 13, 2019, 07:36:36 pm
13/5/19

A lot of people seem to be viewing this. 2000 more than I would have expected when I started this way back in late December of last year. Hmmm...I wonder why...

So this won't be the first time this year that I post just to get myself to study. I just want to comment on how inescapable VCE seems to be. Do you get me when I say that I struggle to get away from studying, even on weekends, heck, especially on weekends! Whilst I'm on YouTube looking at Nintendo livestreams (I don't really play any video games sorry), in the back of my mind is always the thought of the next SAC. And seriously, it's near impossible to not be thinking about studying when websites like AN exist. Not sure if bad or good. Studying ain't a hobby, but I don't have many alternatives. I have a loving and supportive family, I'm starting to learn some more household chores, but as it stands, other than what I've just mentioned, it's either study, YouTube, or otherwise trying hard on weekends to do everything but studying as I'm so sick and tired of it, but without much success.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: Seamus Wong on May 13, 2019, 07:44:11 pm
13/5/19

A lot of people seem to be viewing this. 2000 more than I would have expected when I started this way back in late December of last year. Hmmm...I wonder why...

So this won't be the first time this year that I post just to get myself to study. I just want to comment on how inescapable VCE seems to be. Do you get me when I say that I struggle to get away from studying, even on weekends, heck, especially on weekends! Whilst I'm on YouTube looking at Nintendo livestreams (I don't really play any video games sorry), in the back of my mind is always the thought of the next SAC. And seriously, it's near impossible to not be thinking about studying when websites like AN exist. Not sure if bad or good. Studying ain't a hobby, but I don't have many alternatives. I have a loving and supportive family, I'm starting to learn some more household chores, but as it stands, other than what I've just mentioned, it's either study, YouTube, or otherwise trying hard on weekends to do everything but studying as I'm so sick and tired of it, but without much success.

I mean, it's year 12, so I don't think it's abnormal for you to feel like that.
I get a little overwhelmed with thinking about it all the time, which is why I find exercising after I finish all my homework (8:30-9:00pm) a necessity that enables me escape from my brain for a bit, and just refocus my energy and objectively view how I have been progressing with my work, but without the feeling of dread or anxiety. If you know that you've used your time productively then thinking about all the work that you have done will energise and motivate you.

I noticed that even when I stopped working out every day - only working out every second day - that my motivation declined.

Try not to exercise before you do your school work though, or else you won't have any energy. idk tho, that's just me.

 

Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: mango8 on May 15, 2019, 10:45:44 pm

it's either study, YouTube, or otherwise trying hard on weekends to do everything but studying as I'm so sick and tired of it, but without much success.

Spot on.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on May 19, 2019, 09:08:45 pm
19/5/19 - The apathy is real

Is this Year 12?  ???

I've given up on undergrad med. No UCAT for me this year. I'll focus on psychology, I guess. Why? Well the UCAT just doesn't appeal to me, and neither does Med. The stressful life doesn't seem worth it. And let's talk about the future, shall we? Actually, no let's not. Too daunting. Why does every little menial task seem so overwhelming? I'm even struggling to get to school on time. And I've also got a cold (but in reality it's like a perpetual viral infection that just reveals itself in the colder months). I really should have picked some more humanities subjects, shouldn't I? Science gets stale after a while. I'm waiting for the day when I actually am interested in doing schoolwork. May that day be before my final exams.

Not giving up. Thank the government for compulsory education.  :)

Srsly, words cannot describe my apathy and desire to do nothing but browse YouTube at the moment.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: annabeljxde on May 19, 2019, 09:24:15 pm
19/5/19 - The apathy is real

Is this Year 12?  ???

I've given up on undergrad med. No UCAT for me this year. I'll focus on psychology, I guess. Why? Well the UCAT just doesn't appeal to me, and neither does Med. The stressful life doesn't seem worth it. And let's talk about the future, shall we? Actually, no let's not. Too daunting. Why does every little menial task seem so overwhelming? I'm even struggling to get to school on time. And I've also got a cold (but in reality it's like a perpetual viral infection that just reveals itself in the colder months). I really should have picked some more humanities subjects, shouldn't I? Science gets stale after a while. I'm waiting for the day when I actually am interested in doing schoolwork. May that day be before my final exams.

Not giving up. Thank the government for compulsory education.  :)

Srsly, words cannot describe my apathy and desire to do nothing but browse YouTube at the moment.

Dear friend, you should never feel bad for feeling how you're feeling right now. This is completely normal to feel this way. So many students are in the same boat as you (including me :) ) and there's no doubt that at least half of the entire state is feeling the same. I also have similar moments where just feel so unmotivated, like I've lost my drive, my passion, my vision for my end goals, so much up to the point where school no longer seemed fun for me. People tell you to enjoy Year 12 as much as you can because it's the last year of, well, everything. But in reality, its almost impossible to feel so happy and optimistic all through the entire year, especially when we all know that the HSC is looming just at the end of the corner. Take some time off. Maybe the whole trying to 'study consistently so as to convince yourself you're doing valuable work' is actually causing you damage. I know this was the case for me. I spent long evenings procrastinating to the max (YT and all) but after taking some time to rest and actually sleep (so important!) it only took a day or two to get back on track and finally, FINALLY, get back to where I wanted to be. Talk to your friends and voice your concerns. Or just vent it all out on the internet. We in the ATARNOTES community all have each other's backs, so don't feel like you're ever in this alone :))
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: smamsmo22 on May 19, 2019, 09:58:33 pm
Hi there,
I wish I had some amazing foolproof advice for you for overcoming apathy and procrastination and a lack of motivation but unfortunately I'm yet to find the solution :P
I don't spend heaps of time on AN anymore but I wanted to pop in and wish you all the best. Undergrad med was high on my list last year and in retrospect, I'm quite glad I didn't go down that route. (In saying that, if I ever do want to pursue med, it's still totally available to me, and the same goes for you :) ) It seems you're putting yourself through quite a tough cycle of studying and guilt for not studying, and if it's all for admission into a course that you aren't 100% passionate about (and one that will likely involve a whole lot more studying), then maybe it's not worth the stress. For now. The unis offering med aren't closing shop any time soon (:
Maybe I'd advise having a good think about what you really want to do next year... what you'd ideally like for yourself and what would realistically fulfil you (and this doesn't need to have ANYTHING to do with uni or further study!!) Unless the only thing that you can picture for yourself as a source of satisfaction is a (highly strenuous and competitive, yet still potentially very interesting) university course, then you don't need to feel so terrible about not studying so much. Yes, one of the ways to rid yourself of guilt for procrastinating is to stop procrastinating, but we all know that isn't so simple. Another way is to (try to) lower your expectations a little and disassociate procrastination with guilt. It's actually a really normal thing and the fact you're struggling with it simply makes you a normal human being!
Anyway, I've literally rambled on with no clear direction or cause but I really wish you all the best and hope that maybe I've offered you a sense of assurance... maybe... ? Just know what you're feeling is normal and things will work themselves out! The world is a lot bigger than VCE and having goals outside of studies is really important (:
Best of luck!!!
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on May 28, 2019, 09:48:32 pm
28/5/19

"Learning never exhausts the mind". - Leonardo da Vinci   
WTF are u on about m8? I'm feeling study fatigue to the max right now. And yet I'm still on AN, thinking I can still salvage something. Studying is boring. Get me out of hereeeee.  :-[ :'(

There's nothing worse than the feeling of regret midway through your final year of secondary school when you realise that 3 of your 5 subjects that you chose to study are infuriating to lay your eyes upon. In descending order of infuriating-ness (so I can get these abominations that can also be known as school subjects out of the way). I say to myself, 5 more months. Just 5 more, and it'll all be over.

Methods
So I have a major SAC in less than a week that makes up nearly 1/5 of the total study score. I dread every single class. I've been considering either walking out of class, or not showing up at all, several times over the past few weeks. I looked at the revision sent to us, saw it was all extended-response scenarios, F this S I'm out. Excuse my fixed mindset, but I'm not a maths person at all. I feel like there is next to no hope of me changing that mindset.  :( Look on the bright side, at least I know what not to do with my life after year 12. Advice to future Year 12s, unless you plan on doing Specialist Maths as well, do NOT do Methods. Don't get sucked in by prerequisites like I did. Unless you reeaally like pure maths. Oh, if I had my time again... At least Unit 4 will be friendlier...*sees integration and complicated-ass probability*. I stand corrected. I don't think any school subject I've ever taken has made me so terrified of SACs and so doubtful of my own ability to do stuff than Methods. And where's the real-life applications? Huhhhhh?  ???

Chemistry
It's so boorrinngggg. There's no explosionsss. I r8 1/8. But srsly, I don't think I'm a science person either. Am I just lazy?

Biology
It's like Psych, but there's even more content and the content's harder to understand. And it's more of a science. Did I just say I wasn't a science person?Yes.

The content is dry, and I can't really do much about it. The work being tedious is not an excuse for not doing or even being remotely interested in what I'm learning, right? I'm so tired. This whole VCE thing is so inescapable. I can't do it on my own.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: NomotivationF on May 28, 2019, 10:10:06 pm
28/5/19

"Learning never exhausts the mind". - Leonardo da Vinci   
WTF are u on about m8? I'm feeling study fatigue to the max right now. And yet I'm still on AN, thinking I can still salvage something. Studying is boring. Get me out of hereeeee.  :-[ :'(

There's nothing worse than the feeling of regret midway through your final year of secondary school when you realise that 3 of your 5 subjects that you chose to study are infuriating to lay your eyes upon. In descending order of infuriating-ness (so I can get these abominations that can also be known as school subjects out of the way). I say to myself, 5 more months. Just 5 more, and it'll all be over.

Methods
So I have a major SAC in less than a week that makes up nearly 1/5 of the total study score. I dread every single class. I've been considering either walking out of class, or not showing up at all, several times over the past few weeks. I looked at the revision sent to us, saw it was all extended-response scenarios, F this S I'm out. Excuse my fixed mindset, but I'm not a maths person at all. I feel like there is next to no hope of me changing that mindset.  :( Look on the bright side, at least I know what not to do with my life after year 12. Advice to future Year 12s, unless you plan on doing Specialist Maths as well, do NOT do Methods. Don't get sucked in by prerequisites like I did. Unless you reeaally like pure maths. Oh, if I had my time again... At least Unit 4 will be friendlier...*sees integration and complicated-ass probability*. I stand corrected. I don't think any school subject I've ever taken has made me so terrified of SACs and so doubtful of my own ability to do stuff than Methods. And where's the real-life applications? Huhhhhh?  ???

I think everyone has the mid-year blues right now, so I get you, but i really think it'll get better. In terms of methods I can relate with the not even wanting to look at methods and just being temped to dip on class. But the way I think of it, doing methods (to satisfy pre-requisites) may be saving me a year of my life doing AN ENTIRE UNI COURSE that I may not be wanting to do, and then swapping into the one that requires the pre-requisite. The benefits outweigh the negatives (arguably), we just have to push through. Good luck with your sac :)
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 03, 2019, 09:36:31 pm
3/6/19

I had a slightly below average day.  :-[

The persistently heavy rain today provided the perfect pathetic fallacy for my mood during the first part of my Methods SAC. Dark, damp and depressing. For most of it, I just wanted to get out of that room and cry in the corner. I know I sound like such a wimp who hates anything outside their comfort zone, but really, when the questions seem like some alien language distorted by Google Translate, what else can you do? After that, I went to the toilets and contemplated for quite a while. I felt quite sorry for myself. How could I stuff up that badly? It's pretty tough when you're your only cheerleader. Classmates don't want to help you outside of reassuring you that it will be alright. I don't know whether to try to muster up the conviction to say 'I can do it!', but right now, after that whipping at the hands of Part 1 of the SAC, it seems way too optimistic. Like, you know when people say you'll do fine? You nod and say yes but deep down you know you're going to do really badly? That was me. I know it's a poor, unhealthy mindset to approach a SAC with, but I'd rather be honest with myself than have fake confidence. Does fake confidence work?

I can't explain the reasons for my plight. It may be self-imposed (i.e. I just don't work hard enough in Methods), it may be because of my teacher, it may be due to the inherent difficulty of the subject. On the brighter side, there's still 3 periods left of this, so I guess I can still redeem myself. However, I'm not exaggerating when I say Methods keeps me awake at night. It's THAT subject.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: Macrophagee on June 04, 2019, 03:18:13 pm
Hey
Sorry to hear about your mid-year blues. I hope you will find solace in the fact that hundreds, if not thousands of year 12s are going through the same thing. We all have our regrets. For you, it may be your subject choices and career goals. For others, it could be neglecting others during their final year, or not making the most of their opportunities.
From reading your journal, I can see that you have the passion and drive for learning, but the VCE system and subjects are not how you envisioned them. I have read every single thread you have posted about methods, VCE life and more. This clearly shows you are determined to achieve, yet you have a subconscious belief that giving up will make you a failure. We are all guilty of this. It is okay to give on methods and sciences, you have clearly tried your best and the amount of stress is no longer worth it. I have also finished my methods SAC and I wanted to do nothing more than cry. (this is coming from someone who likes maths, and does spesh). Not everyone can be a maths person! The world needs people who are good at art, communications and more! I'm sure you have something unique to contribute.
As for med, it is okay to change your mind if you are not 100% sure. It is better to back out now than to waste years studying something you are hesitant about, or worse being an incompetent doctor.

Sorry if this is badly worded, really hope it helps somewhat.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 07, 2019, 04:58:06 pm
7/6/19 - How is Methods, you ask?

I might as well rename this to how Methods triggers me. I am quite frankly terrified at the mark I will get for this SAC and what my teacher will say to me. It was spectacular how badly I failed to understand the main ideas in the SAC. At least I've learnt the importance of adequate SAC/Exam preparation. This Methods SAC which I have just completed has instilled fear within me. And it's not the kind of fear that motivates me to do better. It's the kind of fear that makes me want to run away and seclude myself from the world. I am not specifically 'aiming high' in Methods. I just want to be able to cope with my growing anxiety towards Maths.

I know that my teacher wants us to do well. But their criticism does not help us improve. We feel worse and even more discouraged.

I can't control what's in the study design. I can't control what is in the textbook. I can't really control the way they teach the class. But I can control my attitude towards Methods assessments. And, quite frankly they are NOT helping me in that regard. Suggestion: make us FEEL that we are capable, instead of criticising us when we can't get the correct answer/method. Not everyone can differentiate a function and find all the stationary points in 5 seconds. We get it, you teach maths.

I'm not completely blaming my teacher. I am the student who sat the SAC after all. However, despite my increased effort in the past few weeks to seek help, I still floundered in the SAC.

And I'm a little frustrated that I can't book a suitable time with the other Methods teacher to discuss these matters. So I've decided to dump all these thoughts here instead.

So yeah, this subject will continue to haunt my dreams until November (at least). I suppose I need to build up the courage to ask the brighter students in my class for help. But they are as busy and have hectic schedules too!  :(

This week has been pretty much all about Methods, but I do have two SACs next week. Health needs some work, both in understanding the content and applying that knowledge through practice questions. English also needs work, in terms of being able to focus for over an hour to write that Argument Analysis. Chemistry has just been about naming organic compounds, no big deal. Except my head hurt trying to understand the nomenclature rules. Bio is also cruising finely.

Trying to escape from all this madness is one of the hardest parts of this year. Hopefully this long weekend can help to support me in that endeavour!

Thx 4 reading (if your attention span is better than mine  ;) )

- JR
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: Bri MT on June 07, 2019, 05:07:11 pm
Science gets stale after a while.

:O   what???


On a more serious note, it's good that you're figuring this out now rather than 2 years through a degree. Good luck figuring out a new direction you're more interested in - you don't have to see it straight away or even during this year but exploring your options migh help you find more motivation :)


Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: Snow Leopard on June 07, 2019, 05:19:32 pm
28/5/19

 Advice to future Year 12s, unless you plan on doing Specialist Maths as well, do NOT do Methods. Don't get sucked in by prerequisites like I did. Unless you reeaally like pure maths.

Wait so Methods and Spesh should be done together? Wouldn't that be too much in terms of workload etc.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 07, 2019, 05:24:06 pm
@Snow Leopard

At my school, if you choose to do Specialist Maths, you must do Methods as well. But you can choose to take Methods by itself, which I have done. Not sure how your school does it.

The students that do take Spesh at my school seem to be travelling quite nicely, as far as I'm aware.  :)
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 07, 2019, 05:42:31 pm
Do you reckon lots of the information overlaps between Methods and Spesh.
Um, I don't do Spesh!  :P But I have a few links that may help you!  :)

VCE Maths Study Design: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/mathematics/MathematicsSD-2016.pdf
VCE Subject Reviews and Ratings (from AN users, just look up the subject you want!): https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=175611.0
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: Macrophagee on June 08, 2019, 01:09:31 pm
@Snow Leopard

At my school, if you choose to do Specialist Maths, you must do Methods as well. But you can choose to take Methods by itself, which I have done. Not sure how your school does it.

The students that do take Spesh at my school seem to be travelling quite nicely, as far as I'm aware.  :)

Just wanted to say that methods is a prerequisite or co-requisite for Spesh. E.g you must have done or are currently doing methods 3/4 to enrol in specialist maths. This is not on a school-by-school basis, it is a requirement from VCAA. That being said, your school may have a certain grade you must achieve in methods to be eligible for spesh (like mine).

PS can I just say that I'm a spesh kid (although not a very good one) and I still wanted to cry after my methods SAC

@Snow Leopard
The spesh course extends on the concepts taught in methods, so yes there is an overlap in the sense of "there's calculus in methods and in spesh" but obviously the calculus in spesh is much harder, more painful :'( and time-consuming than in methods. It is important to note that methods is treated as assumed knowledge in the spesh course. For instance, you will not learn how to sketch sin, cos and tan graphs in spesh as you would have already done that. Instead, we extend this concept and sketch the inverse and reciprocal functions.
Hope this helps
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 08, 2019, 03:18:44 pm
8/6/19

What's the worst that can possibly happen when I get my mark back for Methods? I get roasted by my teacher in front of my entire class? (I haven't got my SAC back for Methods, in fact we probably won't get our marks back for another week and a half). Even the library is becoming quite a crap place to study, the irony. Home is comfy, but not a great place to study either. Not understanding circular functions doesn't make me stupid. It makes me bad at circular functions.

a letter to my Methods teacher, whom I am trying my hardest to show respect for
I don't completely blame you for my terrible failure in the SAC. But you should take some responsibility for it. You ARE my teacher, and undoubtedly the way in which you have taught the class has had an influence on my learning. You tell us what we need to do, but do you actually encourage us or make us believe that we can do well? Not really, in my opinion. I've tried persistently to seek help from you, but it genuinely baffles me that you can only help me with 'Maths-related questions'. Do you even know what it feels like to be a failure in Maths? You're good at Maths, we get it. But you have considered how that makes us feel? You show us the method, and that's it.

Look, I'm not even aiming for a 40+ study score in Methods. i just want to be able to walk in before Methods Exam 1 and 2 and say to myself, 'I am ready to withstand whatever VCAA has to throw at me'.

There are more important things in life. However, I just can't seem to get this one off my mind.

I know I can't be good at everything, but why have I floundered and suffered this severely in Methods, for 1 and a 1/2 years?

Hope you don't misinterpret my tone - dropping Methods is the last thing I want to do.
Title: Re: I'll get there eventually
Post by: turinturambar on June 08, 2019, 03:23:41 pm
I suppose I need to build up the courage to ask the brighter students in my class for help. But they are as busy and have hectic schedules too!  :(

One thing you might find helpful remembering is that for many people explaining things to others helps them to understand better.  Still doesn't make it easy to actually find the time in a busy schedule, but you wouldn't be completely wasting their time.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 25, 2019, 08:31:32 am
25/6/19 - I've got a virus

The world goes too fast. Shouldn't we take the time to slow down at least every week or so? I'm starting to lose interest in not only school, but life in general. Well, at least two subjects aren't ruining my day (English and Health). It's just the other three that I've tried really hard through gritted teeth and determination to try and gain an interest in so I can actually try and learn, but nothing seems to be working. It's these three subjects that are the reason that I want this year to be over so I can forget I ever studied them. I came in with the best of intentions, but have I really gotten anything out of Methods, Bio or Chem? No, not really. And I can't even be bothered to check the study designs of these subjects to see if there's anything mildly interesting to come. All I'm getting out of it is that I have a greater idea of what I won't be doing with my life after Year 12. Any positive is a good one, I suppose.

Sorry for the depressing tone. I'd rather be as genuine as possible than pretend life is rosy as in reality, it's a mess and starting to fall apart.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on June 25, 2019, 08:40:40 am
(cont.)
Oh yeah. I do have goals, but they're so overwhelming and I become even more disheartened when I try to break them apart into more manageable chunks (as literally every online article says).

Goal #1: To be as prepared for all my VCE exams as possible
Goal #2: To be healthy (healthy diet, sleep, exercise)

With #1, even writing down the list of things this would involve just discouraged me, as I have five distinct subjects. #2 requires quite a lot of resilience and dedication, which I don't think I have in me.

I guess there's a fine line between challenging and demoralising. Yes, I love it when life challenges me to improve, but I think right now, the scales are tipping towards the demoralising.

I can do it. So what though? I can improve. So what?
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on July 10, 2019, 07:47:40 pm
10/7/19 - Please help me to develop and maintain a growth mindset for the rest of my life, okay?

Maths is painful. I can't even start. I know, I know. Short-term pain for long-term gain. All the pain, tears and suffering will be worth it in the end. This next 4 months of agonising, excruciating work is just a drop in the ocean of life. You wanna know just how much Maths is ruining my life right now? Well, it's almost always at the top of my priority list (due to its frustrating and infuriating difficulty), so I can't really avoid it. It also turns out that I technically failed the first Methods SAC. So I get given a document of questions to complete over the holidays to get an S for the unit. But screw that. It's as abstract as the original SAC. When I look at my daily school timetable and see 'Maths Methods' on it, I just let out a massive groan. And I have it on the first day back too! Let the good times flow.

And because of Methods, I can't really be stuffed studying for any other subject either, although they're slightly less painful than maths. In other news, I have an English Oral SAC on the first week back. But I procrastinate as heavily on this as I do with Methods, for some reason. Don't even know what I'm doing for Bio and Chem. Health is pretty much the only subject I can tolerate at the moment. And I can't even get to that thanks to a little subject called Maths Methods. It seriously drains me.

My sleep/wake routine has been meh. Most of my days are low energy, spent jamming out to great tunes on my study desk as the compulsory Methods homework stares me right in the face. I throw it away like a pile of trash. (Not really, just a simile :)))

I loathe the holidays. At least when both my parents are working and I have no reason to leave the house. It's basically like the school term, except you're stuck at home with bucketloads of work to complete. And you have absolutely no direct communication with your teachers. How ironic that the holidays have become like this.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on July 10, 2019, 08:35:32 pm
Have you had a chance to have a break and recharge over the holidays JR? It sounds like you could use it. I know how you feel about the holidays, I don't know what it is, but especially after the stress of exams, holidays seem to make me feel even more drained than I was before. I have found that keeping busy and a consistent routine has helped. Most days I have had planned activities and if not I've made sure to leave the house, even if just to sit and study in the library.

TL;DR: I keep myself so busy I don't have the time to get in a melancholy mood.

Best of luck recuperating over the rest of your break! Sending good vibes your way. ;D
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on July 15, 2019, 04:27:37 pm
15/7/19 - Oh no, not the T word.

Yes, the T word indeed. I was kind of dreading the day when I would have to use the 'break glass in case of emergency' option. The T word has been bothering me ever since Year 12 started to become brutal. The T word industry is lucrative for those who administer it, and comparatively expensive for those who seek it. I don't know how regulated and trustworthy it really is. But it's really my last option for Methods, since all other free resources are either unhelpful or don't really encourage me to do the work I need to do. This T word I speak of, it is called...TUTORING.

AN is great, but real life interaction is what it unfortunately lacks. I kind of hate to say this, but I really don't learn much in Maths class at school. I pay as much attention as I possibly can, but the content still doesn't seem to be going in. I am so freakin' overwhelmed. The lack of quality teaching in Mathematics I have received over all my years of education has accumulated to the point where Maths has just become the bane of my existence. I don't improve, no matter how hard I try.

And due to all the attention I've given to this subject, I've almost completely forgotten about the existence of my other subjects.  :-\ :'(

At least there's always music and good food to get you through it all. 4 more months of this ****.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on July 15, 2019, 04:32:02 pm
15/7/19 - Oh no, not the T word.

Yes, the T word indeed. I was kind of dreading the day when I would have to use the 'break glass in case of emergency' option. The T word has been bothering me ever since Year 12 started to become brutal. The T word industry is lucrative for those who administer it, and comparatively expensive for those who seek it. I don't know how regulated and trustworthy it really is. But it's really my last option for Methods, since all other free resources are either unhelpful or don't really encourage me to do the work I need to do. This T word I speak of, it is called...TUTORING.

Hey JR,
Hope you find some tutoring that helps you smash the last stretch of VCE. Tutoring doesn't have to be seen as the 'break glass in case of emergency' option, but I understand why you might feel that way. There are still many free and low-cost options for tutoring (check out your local library).

Best of luck pushing through methods and conquering your maths anxiety. Can't wait to hear how it goes!
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on August 11, 2019, 06:33:49 pm
11/8/19 - What a difference 3 months makes

3 months ago, I was all like, Medicine? Nah too stressful. My interest in psychology remained. I don't necessarily want to become a psychologist, but I just have an interest in the brain and behaviour and the power of attitude and mindset, and the details of mental health. It's also VTAC's time to shine but I'm trying to keep a cool headspace in that regard. I never thought I'd be seriously considering unis like Swinburne and ACU (especially given how little attention they're given compared to the RMIT's and the Monash's of the world), but after visiting them, I'm convinced that I would be happy going to one or the other.  :) And I've still got Victoria University's open day next week (don't judge me, I know I'm missing out on Melbuni, but I have my reasons), so we'll see how that goes.

justifying why I'm not much of a fan of the other unis, and therefore why I don't want to study there
MelbUni: #1 for psych in Australia, huh? I wasn't a fan of the sheer size of your campus. I know it's old and stuff, but I don't find such architecture all that inspirational or charming. Sorry.
RMIT: Automatic disapproval for any uni in the CBD. I know you're smack bang in the middle of everything, but it's not my style. I spoke to someone who was studying Psych there, and they legit lowkey sounded like they wanted to drop out.
Monash, LaTrobe and Deakin: Too far from my place of residence. Am not willing to travel that far. I am sorry.

But hey, I can always change and transfer. Many students forget that is a thing that exists.  ;)

And ACU technically isn't in the CBD. It's in Fitzroy. And the campus is smaller. I like that.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on August 25, 2019, 11:44:11 am
25/8/19 - Dear AN, I regret to inform you...

On Friday 23rd, I probably experienced one of my worst days of the year so far. I got my marks and paper back for the last Methods SAC. About an hour later, after school was out for the day and the week, I received my Chemistry SAC results. Would you like to know what these two SACs had in common?

Spoiler
I failed both of them. And looking at both results made me feel miserable. Worst Friday ever.

So after letting out my initial outbursts, I decided to take a walk outside. Felt a little better. I have done no academic-related work since. After a rigorous search of the AN forums to see what I could do to cope with constant failure, I found that an effective course of action was to closely evaluate where I went wrong on both subjects. So I did that.

Methods evaluation
So I missed a fair chunk of the Integration topic due to illness (half to be exact). I could not manage to catch up in time for the SAC.

Chemistry evaluation
It might have been because I was not proactive enough in asking for help when I fell behind in the learning of the content.

I will not allow these failures to stop me from achieving my absolute best. I will not allow these failures to stop me from studying my desired course at uni next year. Failure strengthens me.

Ah well, there's always exams to look forward to. And a supportive community right here.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Macrophagee on August 25, 2019, 08:54:07 pm
Have you considered moving out of home? That could also be an option if you really want to study at Monash, LaTrobe or Deakin.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on September 16, 2019, 06:17:20 pm
16/9/19

I am basically free. One Biology SAC left. And that's all she wrote. All I have to do is sit those exams. What's 'preparation'? What's 'revision'? It's all self-motivated, independent study for the next 57 or so days. No one is telling me to study. No more SACs to study for. The truth is just sinking in. It's all up to me from here. I could do nothing in every class and literally no one would tell me off. This independence is genuinely terrifying.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on September 16, 2019, 06:37:23 pm
This independence is genuinely terrifying.
But also a little liberating too?
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on September 21, 2019, 10:57:57 am
21/9/19 - Happy holidays?

Hey everyone, how are you all going? Probably better than me. I haven't had the greatest week in terms of my study habits. And that's kind of a big problem, seeing how many days there are before exams. I have felt the pain of burning out several times throughout this year, and I have experienced it again this week (I still am right now). Since I haven't done this in a while, I will provide you with a brief overview of how I am travelling in each of my subjects.

Methods
Still can't be bothered. But I know I will have to start eventually. Just not right now. In case you couldn't tell, this is by far the subject that rains down the most sorrow upon me. Practicing will be the key.

Chemistry
The content is not interesting in the slightest. I'm sorry to all you Chemistry fans out there. I suppose I have to make friends with some Chemistry fans over the next few weeks. Chemistry will also be my last ever exam, so it will be pretty emotional in another way (or maybe not, we'll see on the day).

Biology
I am so lost. That is all.

English
So we completed a (compulsory) trial exam for this subject. I started with writing Section C. I wrote an introduction and half a body paragraph, then kind of gave up on it as my brain had pretty much exhausted all its ideas by that point. So I spent the remaining time either sitting there or trying to muster up something for Section A and B. Ended up writing literally nothing for those two sections. What made it worse was that people around me seemed to be writing their essays with ease. Way to make me feel even worse about myself. I know it's fruitless to compare myself with others, but what else can you do when you're in an exam hall, your mind has blanked out and you can't think of anything else to write? On the bright side, it's better that I'm blanking out during trials rather than the real exam. Unfortunately, improvement is going to take a lot of grinding and feedback. Wish me luck.

Health & HD
Out of all my subjects, this is the subject I despise the least (because it's probably the most interesting and least demanding). However, it pains me when I am forced to memorise content. I also went to the Health Teachers Network Exam Revision lectures. Although it costs some cash, it's definitely worth it! I would highly recommend any HHD student to take the opportunity.

Exam revision in general
Should I go to the ATARNotes lectures? I am tentative at this point. The last time I went to the AN lectures was back in April, and to be completely honest, they weren't the most helpful (sorry, it's just my opinion. :/). Like, at that point, I wanted to drop Methods soooo badly, and after going to the Methods lecture, I still wanted to drop out. But for a person like me, there's probably no other choice.

I know it sounds like I have no life, but there is still so much for me to do in four of my five subjects it's not even funny.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on September 22, 2019, 05:32:31 pm
This is how the first week of my "holiday" is looking:

Monday: Methods Trial exams (both of them)
Tuesday: Chemistry Trial exam
Wednesday: Biology Trial exam
Thursday: Completing 2016 VCAA Methods exam 1 in timed exam conditions

I am clearly not ready for these trials, nor do I feel mentally prepared to sit a VCAA Methods exam. But how else am I going to get anything done these "holidays"? (I love how we still call the next two weeks a "holiday" when they are so blatantly not).
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on September 23, 2019, 08:13:29 am
Just think of the holiday you will have between when you finish your exams and when uni starts! Stay positive and keep on pushing through!!
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on September 26, 2019, 09:50:30 pm
26/9/19

I simply am not able to do anything related to the academic discipline of Maths. Specifically the topics which fall under the Mathematical Methods course.

I’m finding it extremely difficult to stay positive. I feel like giving up. Will these next 6 weeks even make very much of a difference to my future? There’s always a way to get where I want to go, after all is said and done. All I need is roughly a 60 ATAR and a raw 25 study score in English, and I’m in. But that still doesn’t provide me with sufficient incentive to get up and actually do some work.

I know that nothing worth having comes easily. Someone will probably read this and tell me to “start with the easiest task”. But none of my tasks at the moment are “easy”.

I went through a past VCAA Methods exam today (2016 Exam 1 to be specific). I did the 15 minutes reading time, then decided it was too painful and walked away.

The simple truth is, the curiosity that I used to possess towards my school subjects has completely evaporated. I am not overly stressed, I simply just do not want to immerse my brain in the uninteresting content of my subjects.

Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on September 27, 2019, 12:59:30 pm
From what you've been saying, it sounds like you are going to need to make some drastic changes if you have any hope of motivating yourself to study. Perhaps an internet ban is in order? To force you to begin your methods revision?

What positive steps do you think you could take to improve your headspace at the minute?
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on October 07, 2019, 03:15:43 pm
7/10/19 - A vain attempt to creatively express how I am feeling right now. I am feeling so unproductive.

Dear life,
You kind of suck right now. Like, a lot. You've put this poor soul through a lot in recent months. Every single day is a struggle. But that's just what you are, and I have no control over that. I am writing to let you know that I am learning. Learning that I am not cut out for certain fields of study. Through my suffering, I have been able to distinguish my passions from what I passionately despise. You have taught me to do things I hate. You are probably aware that I am so incredibly close to closing a chapter of my life that has been 13 years in the making. You may also be aware that I so badly want it to be over, especially due to the not-so-pleasant memories of that 13th year. You know what, thanks. Without the breath in my lungs, I wouldn't be able to express myself. Every day, you find a way to irritate me, but the good times will come eventually. I just have to keep waiting.
Yours truly,
J.R

P.S. Please make the next 5 weeks pass as quickly as the 2 weeks of school holidays. Thanks.

the non-creative part of my post, I guess
I hate each and everyone of my subjects. Methods because it's frustratingly difficult, Chemistry and Biology for pretty much the same reasons (science used to be kind of exciting, but now it's meh), English because I can't write an essay outside of an introduction and Health because I am forced to memorise content that would otherwise be kind of interesting to learn. I would love to be studying Psychology right now, but oh yeah, already did that.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on October 17, 2019, 10:01:52 pm
17/10/19

I'll make this as concise as possible because it's just about time to go to sleep, and we all underestimate the power of sleep, don't we? Speaking of sleep, why do I feel just as weak on more sleep (like 8.5 hours) than when I get 7 hours of sleep?

It's so difficult to sit down and do a practice exam. It feels like too much to do in one day, especially because I have five subjects in total. I want to let you know that I am not giving up on my 'bottom two' or '10% subjects'. Why? Because I don't know what they will be, so I may as well put my best effort into all my subjects.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Macrophagee on October 18, 2019, 05:36:57 pm
Hey
I know how hard it is to balance 5 subjects, and OMG you don't have to do 5 practice exams in one day. Maybe try to do one exam one day, then mark and then go over your mistakes before the next exam the next day. Also for bio, chem and methods there are short topic tests that are for each chapter or topic (like 40-45 mins). Maybe you can do some of these for your weakest areas before starting a full exam? There are ATARnotes and also NEAP and TSSM ones. Maybe check if your school has purchased them.

Hope this helps and good luck
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Snow Leopard on October 18, 2019, 06:31:43 pm
Speaking of sleep, why do I feel just as weak on more sleep (like 8.5 hours) than when I get 7 hours of sleep?
Lol, same
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on October 21, 2019, 09:10:59 pm
21/10/19

So, there are actually 9 days until my first exam of 2019. There is so much I have not yet done. My calendar is a horrifying sight. Those unfinished and unattempted past VCAA exams must be losing their patience with me right now. I plan carefully, but don't get much done.

For English, I have Section A and C from 2016, Section B from 2018, and the entire 2017 exam (which I will complete on Wednesday 9am) left to do. For Biology, I have the 2017 exam (which I've done like 5 multiple-choice questions, then stopped), as well as the 2018 NHT exam (which I will complete on Friday 9am). For Methods, I have the 2016 exam 2, both 2017 exams, both 2017 NHT exams, and most importantly, both 2018 exams left to do. For Health and HD, I have the Health Teachers Network exams from 2019, and a plethora of others. And for Chemistry, I have the 2017 exam, 2018 NHT, 2018 exam and 2019 NHT on my plate. As you can tell, pretty hectic. And borderline unrealistic. I probably have to cut down on some of these exams, despite most of them being VCAA exams (i.e. the most important exams).

Remember what i said about my calendar being a horrifying sight? Well, this is what it looks like (up to the English exam):
*all exams will be in full timed exam conditions unless stated otherwise. There is no guarantee that I will actually do all this.

22/10: - Finish Section B from 2018 exam (trying to perfect it and get some feedback, so it will be untimed)
- Complete 2018 NHT Chemistry exam (treating it like a worksheet, therefore it will be untimed)
23/10: Complete entirety of 2017 English exam (9am-12:15pm)
24/10: Complete 2017 NHT Methods exam 1
25/10: Complete 2018 NHT Biology exam
26/10: Complete 2017 NHT Methods exam 2
28/10: Complete 2018 Methods exam 1
29/10: Complete 2018 Chemistry exam
30/10: Actual English exam

I haven't even taken into consideration the fact that the 2nd Methods exam from 2017, the 2017 Chemistry exam, Section A and C from the 2016 English exam, the 2nd Methods exam from 2016, the 1st Methods exam from 2017 and the 2017 Biology exam will probably lay dormant for eternity.

I am of course going to get them all marked, or mark them myself.



Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on October 21, 2019, 09:18:53 pm
//
Just think how soon this will all be over. You only have to work hard for a few more weeks, and then your formal schooling career is over. (Until the adventure of Uni of course). Best of luck as you continue to prepare. I hope that you are able to relax and ensure that you don't get burnt out before exams even begin. It looks like you have a solid preparation plan. ;D
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on October 23, 2019, 05:10:01 pm
23/10/19

There are so many things I would rather be doing. But the fact is that my first exam is in a week. On a more positive note, in one week, I will likely never have to write these kinds of essays again. I wish I could say I will miss studying for my subjects. But I quite frankly won't. I mean, look at me right now. Posting on an online forum, trying to activate my brain into revising.

I give up way too easily. I sit down, set a 10 minute timer, then when things get too hard, I go straight back on my laptop, type in YouTube, and there I go again. If you're in Year 11 or younger, yes, us Year 12s can still fall victim to a lack of motivation and the desire to procrastinate the entire day away. (And uni students too, I guess)

Year 12 has taught me so many things, but the content of my subjects is not one of them. The irony. Year 12 has taught me resilience. You will probably hear this from every Year 12 student ever, but it is simply the truth.

It's not like my entire future depends on these next 3 weeks, but it might influence where I go next year, I suppose. All I can do is try my absolute best. But my spirit is too weak to do that right now.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Bri MT on October 23, 2019, 06:52:27 pm
Imo resilience is more valuable than subject content. I know you're not feeling great about them, but I wish you best of luck for your exams :)
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on October 24, 2019, 07:01:07 pm
24/10/19 - Let's talk about that first exam.

I am in two minds about the English exam at this moment. One side says, 'I am a great writer, you just need some work under time pressure, and getting started on writing essays. The exam environment will give me the adrenaline rush that I require to perform to the best of my ability. And even if I royally mess it up, there are so many options and pathways I can take to get me where I want to be. If I stuff it up, it might lengthen my wait to study something according to my interests. But I will get there in due time.' The other side says, 'I am a great writer. But remember the English trial exam you sat one month ago? The one where you wrote a grand total of nothing for Section A and B, and barely anything for Section C? What if the prompts for Section A and B are extra unfriendly this year? What if nothing comes to me? What if I can't think of anything to write? If I royally screw up the English exam, this may set the tone for the entire exam period, and affect my performance in my other exams. I will get my VCE, no doubt. But the ATAR might give me a shock, and not in a good way. I may not be able to get into any of the courses on my preference list. Where does that leave me? A year trying to find a stable job? It's all uncertain.'

Either way, I believe there's always the light of hope that I will find a discipline in which I can find a sense of fulfilment and the joy of having made someone's life better through the knowledge and skills I have acquired. This exam period, although it's certainly the end of chapter 1, is only the precursor to chapter 2.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on October 28, 2019, 04:46:55 pm
Either way, I believe there's always the light of hope that I will find a discipline in which I can find a sense of fulfilment and the joy of having made someone's life better through the knowledge and skills I have acquired.
Have you been thinking about careers? There are so many different ways that you can better someone's life through your work!

This exam period, although it's certainly the end of chapter 1, is only the precursor to chapter 2.
What a fantastic attitude. Must be all that work you're putting into building a resilient headspace.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on October 30, 2019, 02:37:25 pm
30/10/19

Well, I guess I'll be the first to update the world on how the English exam went for me. Nah, just kidding. The exam discussion on AN is probably blowing up like crazy at the moment. I'm just the type who doesn't like talking about how I went on exams. Unnecessary and fruitless, if you ask me. What's done is done. There's no retry. The results won't come out for a while.

Well, if you really are so desperate to know...Section C was a piece of cake (but chances are, other people found it easy too, especially the top end of students, I guess). My comparative essay was so weird (like, I wrote pretty big body paragraphs, but I only wrote two), but I think I did alright. I started Section A, then went blank. Wrote an introduction, and not much else.

Not my most favourite subject, but certainly not my least favourite. See you hopefully never again later, English.



Bio exam in 2 days. Onwards and upwards!

I wish everyone the best of luck for the rest of their exams!
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 30, 2019, 02:47:39 pm
Good attitude, and congrats for getting through!
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Geoo on October 30, 2019, 02:54:22 pm
Yay, no more english!!!!!
Nice to be over with, congratulations on getting through it, only a few more exams to go! Good luck and remember to look after yourself.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Macrophagee on November 01, 2019, 02:25:55 pm
How did you find the bio exam?
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on November 12, 2019, 03:24:45 pm
12/11/19 - This is the day I have been looking forward to. Not much else needs to be said.

It hasn't quite sunk in yet, but I am soaking up every last bit of liberation. All of my VCE exams are now finished.

P.S. This is an unpopular view, but I avoid talking about exams where possible. As I said, it's fruitless. It doesn't help anyone. It will likely do more harm than good for my headspace, so please respect that. Thanks.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Geoo on November 12, 2019, 03:40:58 pm
12/11/19 - This is the day I have been looking forward to. Not much else needs to be said.

It hasn't quite sunk in yet, but I am soaking up every last bit of liberation. All of my VCE exams are now finished.

P.S. This is an unpopular view, but I avoid talking about exams where possible. As I said, it's fruitless. It doesn't help anyone. It will likely do more harm than good for my headspace, so please respect that. Thanks.

You're free from the system! Congratulations on completing your VCE, that's awesome. So now that you have free time, what are you going to do?

I feel the exact same way about post exam talk, one there is no point, and two, it can make me a bit anxious. To be honest, I can't even remember many questions or what I wrote for them on the exams  ;)
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on November 13, 2019, 05:08:50 pm
Do you have any plans for your break JR? ;D Is there anything you've been wanting to do for ages that you finally can now?
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on December 02, 2019, 09:43:35 pm
Today, my mum told me to "Get off [my] computer and do something else". Like what though? Go outside in the (ironically) freezing cold? Ugh.

Do you have any plans for your break JR? ;D Is there anything you've been wanting to do for ages that you finally can now?

I'm waiting to hear back from a charity shop for which I applied to volunteer, other than that I'm waiting on my tax file number to arrive. And to be truthful, there isn't really anything that I've been "wanting to do for ages that I can finally do now", because I've been watching hours upon hours of non-academic related YouTube content all year, even during the exam period. And now I only have more time do that. But it does get tedious after a while, as all things do.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Snow Leopard on December 02, 2019, 09:50:11 pm
Today, my mum told me to "Get off [my] computer and do something else". Like what though? Go outside in the (ironically) freezing cold? Ugh.

I'm waiting to hear back from a charity shop for which I applied to volunteer, other than that I'm waiting on my tax file number to arrive. And to be truthful, there isn't really anything that I've been "wanting to do for ages that I can finally do now", because I've been watching hours upon hours of non-academic related YouTube content all year, even during the exam period. And now I only have more time do that. But it does get tedious after a while, as all things do.
Do you have a job? If not, why not try applying to some places so that you can earn so mula ;D
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on December 12, 2019, 08:26:26 am
12/12/19

To put it simply, my results were disheartening. I was quite far off reaching the required ATAR for my first preference (is 8 points off considered to be far?), and I'm 99.9% sure that my ATAR won't be enough to get into any of the courses that I put on my preference list and submitted to VTAC. I don't know what my next course of action is.

I have a lot of options, but I'm just not aware of them right now. And by the way, I gave up on trying to get into medicine several months ago. Psychology is what I'm looking at now.

And even if I somehow get into uni, my study habits need a lot, and I mean a lot, of work. I simply gave up on studying at the crucial moment (i.e. I basically barely studied in the last 3 weeks before the start of the exam period). I thoroughly disliked 3 of my subjects throughout the whole year, and I don't even feel bad for not studying for these exams. I guess what gave me comfort in the post-exam/pre-results period was that I gave it 110% in each of my exams. I guess relying on that alone wasn't enough.

Give me a few hours to let this sink in. And then I'll eventually forget about it.

Sorry for depressing you all. Love you all.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Bri MT on December 12, 2019, 09:16:26 am
12/12/19

To put it simply, my results were disheartening. I was quite far off reaching the required ATAR for my first preference (is 8 points off considered to be far?), and I'm 99.9% sure that my ATAR won't be enough to get into any of the courses that I put on my preference list and submitted to VTAC. I don't know what my next course of action is.

I have a lot of options, but I'm just not aware of them right now. And by the way, I gave up on trying to get into medicine several months ago. Psychology is what I'm looking at now.

And even if I somehow get into uni, my study habits need a lot, and I mean a lot, of work. I simply gave up on studying at the crucial moment (i.e. I basically barely studied in the last 3 weeks before the start of the exam period). I thoroughly disliked 3 of my subjects throughout the whole year, and I don't even feel bad for not studying for these exams. I guess what gave me comfort in the post-exam/pre-results period was that I gave it 110% in each of my exams. I guess relying on that alone wasn't enough.

Give me a few hours to let this sink in. And then I'll eventually forget about it.

Sorry for depressing you all. Love you all.

There's no need to apologise for sharing something that has impacted your VCE experience in your VCE journal. In fact, thank you for letting us know and keeping us updated.

If figuring out your plan B today helps you feel free to pursue that - if you send me your results or post them where I can see them I'm happy to look up courses and pathways for you. I'll be at Monash change day tomorrow and there's a bunch of other expos like that you can go to if you want to talk through it with someone. You can also of course do the internet research yourself option or with others if that's what would help you most.

However, if right now you are too overwhelmed and caught in the emotions of it all that's ok. These feelings will subside in time but right now there's a decent chance they're intense and complicated. Be kind to yourself. This doesn't define you.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on December 19, 2019, 09:38:41 pm
Sorry to hear that you weren't super happy with your results JR! There are so many pathways to wherever you want to end up. Best of luck finding something that works for you! Please keep us updated! <3
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on December 20, 2019, 09:49:38 am
20/12/19

please don't hate on me for this
I got an offer to study Psychological Studies at Victoria University in Footscray. I am apparently dumb. Yet I accepted and enrolled with zero hesitation.

In a forum in which a fair amount of users got an offer to study at Monash or the Uni of Melbourne, well I'm going against the norm here aren't I? Neither Monash nor Melbourne were on my VTAC preferences. I don't know why people hate on VU. Even as I type this, I can imagine students that go to other universities making fun of VU's inferiority. It can't be THAT bad, can it? I can't pass judgement on the uni, as I've never been there. Neither can any other non-VU student.

University ranking/prestige means next to nothing to prospective employers, right? (Then again, VU claims they're ranked in the top 2% of unis in the world)

I suppose I'll make a uni journal, as VU students are extremely underrepresented on AN.
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: Bri MT on December 20, 2019, 09:56:31 am
20/12/19

please don't hate on me for this
I got an offer to study Psychological Studies at Victoria University in Footscray. I am apparently dumb. Yet I accepted and enrolled with zero hesitation.

In a forum in which a fair amount of users got an offer to study at Monash or the Uni of Melbourne, well I'm going against the norm here aren't I? Neither Monash nor Melbourne were on my VTAC preferences. I don't know why people hate on VU. Even as I type this, I can imagine students that go to other universities making fun of VU's inferiority. It can't be THAT bad, can it? I can't pass judgement on the uni, as I've never been there. Neither can any other non-VU student.

University ranking/prestige means next to nothing to prospective employers, right? (Then again, VU claims they're ranked in the top 2% of unis in the world)

I suppose I'll make a uni journal, as VU students are extremely underrepresented on AN.

My mum studied at VU and was got a grad job at PWC (the top firm internationally and within Australia [at the time] for the field she studied).

Going to VU doesn't mean you're dumb or that you won't be a competitive jobseeker as a graduate.

In my experience, I have seen many occasions where Monash students make fun of UniMelb students and vice versa but haven't seen that directed to VU.



Congratulations on your offer and I look forward to reading your uni journey journal! :D
Title: Re: Building a resilient headspace!
Post by: caffinatedloz on December 20, 2019, 07:31:02 pm
Congrats on your offer! I think that psychology would suit you! Please keep us updated with a Uni journal. I would love to hear about how you find the subject structure (completing only one at a time). It's certainly an interesting model. Best of luck for the future! ;D